Importance of Standardization
Having both written and implicit standards can significantly reduce confusion and unite effort along similar directions. For example, this website uses a standardized visual style, so readers can quickly ascertain which parts are functional and which parts are content. When starting a project, standards help unify the thinking around possible design solution without the need for explicit team communication.
Unified Direction
By codifying known interfaces and constraints, and publishing them in a known location, the time required to start the first and middle design loops is substantially decreased. Additionally, the chances of the design working despite missing a few otherwise unknown constraints is higher if the referenced standards are known to work in the intended design environment.
Faster Implementation
As an example of reducing overhead, let's look at ASME Y14.5, which defines symbols and methods for Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). GD&T is effectively a language for communicating mechanical interfaces, and there are many standards for it.
However, ASME Y14.5 is widely known, widely accepted, and usable by engineers, technicians, and manufacturers. Instead of these groups needing to constantly communicate about what the design intention of part is, or where critical interfaces exist, they can communicate and understand these features by using ASME Y14.5. This reduces communication complexity, which increases the speed of development.
